Worcester stabbing being investigated as possible hate crime

WORCESTER — Police Chief Gary J. Gemme is asking investigators to review the circumstances surrounding a stabbing Saturday on Southgate Street to see if there are any elements of a hate crime.

As of Sunday, two of the teens accused of stabbing a 19-year-old man have not been charged with any type of hate crime.

According to police, sometime before the attack Saturday, one of the alleged perpetrators called the victim, "white boy."

"I have asked investigators to look at the case and see if there are elements of a hate crime and if so to bring those charges forward," Chief Gemme said Sunday. He said none of the attackers was white.

The two teens were arrested Saturday evening after the 19-year-old man was stabbed near 29 Southgate St., according to police.

Three teens approached the man about 5:15 p.m. Saturday near the bridge on Southgate Street and one of them allegedly told him, "Hey white boy don't bounce your ball."

The victim had a basketball when he was approached by the three teens, police said.

The victim and the teens began to argue. Police said the three teens began to punch and kick the 19-year-old. One of the teens stabbed the man in the left side of his torso with a knife, police said.

According to police reports, the teens made a reference to the Kilby Street Gang after the attack. The victim was taken to a local hospital and was in stable condition.

A police officer was in the area as the fight came to an end. The victim flagged down the officer, who caught two of the alleged perpetrators. Police said two boys, ages 16 and 14, were arrested. They were charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

The third suspect ran off. Police described him as a 12-year-old black boy who was wearing red shorts and had a short haircut.